Maple Butternut Squash Puree -

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Maple Butternut Squash Puree

Silky smooth maple butternut squash puree is so simple, flavorful, and utterly delicious! Vegan and gluten-free, with just 5 ingredients needed.

Prep Time10

Cook Time30

Total Time40

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian

Servings: servings

Calories: 154kcal

Place the 5 pounds butternut squash, 2 cups water and 1 teaspoon salt in a large pot. (Note that the water does not need to cover the squash.) Bring the water to a simmer over medium-high heat, then lower so that the pot barely simmers. Cook until the squash is very tender, about 15 minutes.
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the squash and 3 tablespoons unsalted butter to a food processor and process it until smooth. You can add a little cooking water if needed, although most of the time my squash purees very smooth without any additional liquid. Transfer the squash to a large bowl, then stir in the ¼-⅓ cup maple syrup and remaining salt. Stir well to melt the butter. Taste and adjust with salt and maple syrup if desired.

Cook the squash fully. Make sure that the squash is cooked until fully tender when pierced with a fork before placing it in the food processor. This will make sure it's super smooth and silky.

Roast the squash. As I mentioned above, you can roast the squash rather than cook it on the stove. This will also eliminate the step of peeling the squash and it adds a little depth of flavor to the finished dish. Cut the squash in half, scoop out the seeds, place the halves face down on a lightly oiled or lined baking sheet, and bake at 375F until easily pierced with a fork. Let the squash cool enough to handle it, then scoop out the flesh and add it to the food processor.

Taste as you go. We all have different sweet tastes, so my advice is to add the maple syrup a little at a time, taste it, and then add more if you want it sweeter. Do the same with the additional salt.

Make it ahead. The flavors of the squash puree deepen as it rests overnight in the fridge, so if you're prepping for a holiday meal this is a great choice to make a day or even 2 in advance.